Everything you need to know about Inti Raymi

Snapshot: What to Know About Inti Raymi in Cusco

• What it is: Inti Raymi is Peru’s most important Andean festival, held every 24 June in Cusco, celebrating the Incan sun god, Inti, and marking the winter solstice.
• Where it happens: Key locations include Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), Plaza de Armas, and the grand finale at Sacsayhuamán fortress.
• What you'll see: A spectacular re-enactment of ancient Inca ceremonies, featuring traditional costumes, Quechua rituals, and lively Andean music and dance.
• Cultural insight: Once banned by Spanish colonisers, the festival was revived in 1944 and now showcases Peru’s proud indigenous heritage and historical resilience.
• Festival foods: Try chiriuchu (a spicy cold dish), chicha morada (purple corn juice), and foods cooked in a huatia (earth oven).
• Tips for visitors: Book tickets early, dress in layers for the high-altitude chill, and arrive early at viewing spots to beat the crowds.

Each year on 24 June, the festival known as Inti Raymi transforms Peru, in particular the city of Cusco, into a colourful celebration of Incan heritage and sun worship. Also known as the Festival of the Sun, it honours Inti, the ancient Incan sun god, through vivid rituals, traditional music, and dance.

As one of the most significant Cusco festivals, it draws thousands of visitors eager to witness the historic Inca ceremonies and experience the rich cultural traditions of the Andes.

Inti Raymi shares themes with other seasonal festivals around the world. In China, the Dongzhi Festival in December marks the winter solstice with ancestral offerings and family gatherings. In Japan, Obon is a Buddhist tradition held in August that honours the spirits of ancestors through dance, lanterns, and temple rituals. And in Scandinavia, especially in Sweden, Midsummer celebrations in June mark the longest day of the year with bonfires and music, family reunions and honouring nature.  

Whether you’re heading to the festival or planning your tour to Peru and just curious about what to expect, keep reading to learn more about the Inti Raymi festival, its customs, and how to make the most of your visit. If it’s your first time in Peru, you’re in for a real treat!

What is the Inti Raymi festival?

An important part of Peru’s cultural heritage, Inti Raymi is celebrated throughout the former Incan Empire. This vibrant festival dates back to the 15th century during the reign of the Incan emperor Pachacutec, who significantly expanded the Incan Empire across large parts of South America.

Originally, Inti Raymi was a nine-day religious ceremony dedicated to Inti, the Incan sun god, and Pachamama, the mother earth goddess. The festival marked the winter solstice in Peru, the shortest day of the year, symbolising the sun’s rebirth and the promise of longer days ahead. This was crucial for agricultural communities relying on the sun’s energy for a bountiful harvest. The ceremony sought to ensure fertility of the land, prosperity, and harmony between people and nature.

Inca ceremonies like Inti Raymi were rich in symbolism. The sun was revered as an ancestor and protector of the Inca rulers. The festival also reinforced social cohesion and loyalty to the empire through communal participation in rituals, music, and dance.

After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the festival was banned for centuries, as colonisers suppressed indigenous religious practices in favour of Christianity. It wasn’t until 1944 that the festival was revived based on detailed chronicles by Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, a mestizo historian who preserved invaluable knowledge of Inca traditions and culture.

Today, Inti Raymi stands as a vibrant celebration of Peru’s rich history and indigenous identity. It’s not just a historic reenactment but a reminder of the resilience of Peruvian cultural events and the enduring significance of the sun in Andean cosmology.

Inti Raymi festival’s customs and traditions

In Cusco,  Inti Raymi begins with Coricancha (also known as Qorikancha) rituals, the sacred Temple of the Sun, once richly adorned with gold and regarded as the most important temple of the Inca Empire.

From here, the elaborately costumed 'Incan Emperor' leads a lively ceremonial procession through the city to the Plaza de Armas, a key location in the festivities, accompanied by music, dancers and priests. 

The celebrations culminate in the grand Sacsayhuamán ceremony, held in the vast stone ruins overlooking Cusco. Once a military fortress and now a powerful spiritual site, Sacsayhuamán hosts the re-enactment of Inca ceremonies, including symbolic offerings to Inti, the sun god, and Pachamama, or Mother Earth. These traditions are all conducted in Quechua, the original language of the Inca civilisation, adding cultural authenticity to the event.

Highlights of the festival:

• Traditional costumes in Inti Raymi celebrations include feathered headdresses and vibrant garments that reflect the rainbow-coloured Inti Raymi flag, symbolising the diversity of Andean culture.
• Rituals like chicha offerings (where a traditional corn-based drink is presented to the gods), and a simulated llama sacrifice reflect the agricultural roots of the ancient Festival of the Sun, and the Incan bond with nature..
• Performers dance to live Andean music while chanting invocations in Quechua, reviving ancient Inca traditions with striking accuracy.
• The audience is immersed in a fully theatrical and spiritual experience that blends history, religion and culture.

Where to go and what to do during the festival

The best way to experience the Inti Raymi festival in Cusco (visited on a number of our Peru tours, including our Complete Peru Small Group Tour), is to immerse yourself in the day-long festivities that brings the city to life on 24 June. 

The celebrations begin early at Qorikancha rituals, the iconic ‘Golden Palace’ temple, where the ceremonial procession kicks off. From here, the joyful parade moves to the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s central square lined with historic colonial buildings and restaurants.

At Plaza de Armas, enjoy:

• Witnessing the cocoa leaf ceremony, a sacred offering to the gods.
• Exploring nearby cafes and bars with balconies offering great views of the parade.
• Sampling traditional Peruvian snacks from street vendors.

The procession then continues to the impressive Sacsayhuamán ruins, where the main event unfolds. The massive stone fortress provides a dramatic backdrop for the ritual performances, including the final ceremonial bonfire.

Tips for visitors:

1. Book tickets early for the Sacsayhuamán ceremony, as this is the main highlight and has limited seating.
2. Arrive early at Qorikancha to secure a good vantage point for the start of the celebrations.
3. For a comfortable viewing experience, reserve a table at one of the restaurants overlooking Plaza de Armas.
4. Bring warm clothing; the festival occurs in June during Peru’s winter, and temperatures can drop sharply, especially at the elevated ruins.

Experiencing the Inti Raymi festival offers a unique chance to connect with Peru’s rich heritage and witness one of the most important Peruvian cultural events on the calendar.

Food and drink to enjoy during Inti Raymi

Food is an important part of the Inti Raymi festival, offering a delicious window into traditional Incan cuisine and local customs.

One iconic dish associated with the festival is chiriuchu—a cold, hearty mix of parched corn, cooked meats, and vegetables. This ‘cold spice’ reflects ancient Inca flavours and is widely available from street vendors and local restaurants throughout Cusco during the celebrations. Many modern versions also include quinoa, a nutritious Peruvian grain prized for its versatility.

During the festival, you’ll often see locals cooking food in a huatia, a traditional earth oven used to prepare simple but flavourful dishes like roasted meat and potatoes. This method reflects the Inca traditions of cooking close to the earth, fitting perfectly with the spiritual nature of the Festival of the Sun.

To wash it all down, try chicha morada, a refreshing purple corn drink that has become a national favourite and a staple at Cusco festivals like Inti Raymi.

Food highlights to try:

• Chiriuchu (cold spice)
• Roasted meat and potatoes cooked in a huatia
• Chicha morada (purple corn drink)

Sampling traditional foods will enhance your experience of the Inti Raymi festival and offer a genuine taste (pun intended) of Peruvian culture.

Practical tips

The Inti Raymi festival draws around 50,000 people each year, so planning ahead is a good idea to ensure you make the most of your visit. 

Tickets and viewing spots

• Pre-book tickets for the Sacsayhuamán ceremony, the festival’s main event as there is limited seating.
• To watch the procession launch at Qorikancha rituals, arrive early to avoid missing out (doors open around 7am).
• For a relaxed viewing experience, reserve a table at a café or restaurant with a balcony overlooking the Plaza de Armas. It’s a great way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the spectacle.

Transport and timing

• Allow extra time for travel between venues: Cusco’s high altitude and festival-day traffic can cause delays.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes—the route from Qorikancha to Sacsayhuaman includes uneven cobblestones and slopes.

Packing essentials

• Take into consideration the season you’ll be visiting. June is winter, and temperatures can fall below 5°C (41°F) at Sacsayhuaman. Bring layers, including a warm coat, gloves and scarf.
• Altitude can be challenging: drink plenty of water, take it easy, and consider altitude tablets or oxygen if needed.
• Apply sunscreen and sunglasses—even in winter, the sun at high altitude is strong.

And lastly…

• Use cash for food stalls.
• Keep a copy of your ticket and ID on your phone or in a waterproof pouch.
• Be respectful of cultural rituals; ask before photographing performers, especially during ceremonies.

Beyond the festival: Exploring Cusco 

Travelling to Cusco for Inti Raymi is the perfect time to explore the region’s surrounding wonders, especially in June, when the dry season offers ideal hiking and sightseeing conditions. With clear skies and cooler temperatures, many travellers plan short trips before or after the Festival of the Sun to make the most of their time in the Andes.

Not far from the city, the Sacred Valley, which is visited on our Enticing Peru tour, offers dramatic scenery and ancient ruins, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo, both of which host their own smaller Andean festivals and markets. For those staying longer, the Inca Trail or the scenic train ride to Machu Picchu is a must, though both require early bookings due to seasonal demand.

Back in Cusco, the local event calendar is full. Alongside Inti Raymi , the city’s annual Corpus Christi and Qoyllur Rit’i celebrations (both held in June) contribute to a packed month of festivals and processions. These Peruvian cultural events give visitors even more insight into the region’s blend of Indigenous, Incan and colonial history.

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